Required Documents and Fees for Indian Passport Renewal Services in the USA

Are you a citizen of India living in the US and seeking to renew your passport? Go no further! The following blog will help you do so. How? Well, it consists of all the info. related to the services. In addition, it also includes the list of documents required for an Indian passport in USA. Also whether it is finding the right place to apply, or directing the passport application renewal process we have covered all.

Read on to get all the details and begin your process with ease. Moving ahead, let's first start with knowing the documents required for Indian passport Renewal in USA. Also, learn about the renewal process of the papers. So, let's begin with it.

List of the Vital Documents Required for an Indian Passport in USA

There are several vital documents required for an Indian passport renewal in USA at the time of renewal. In addition, some additional papers do need to rely on the passport service you are applying for. Apart from this, these documents are required to be submitted to the VFS application center near your jurisdiction. Furthermore, let's know about the Indian passport documents vital for passport application:

A Signed and Filled Checklist

This Indian passport document checklist is a vital paper. It aids you in tracking all the important papers needed for passport application. In addition, it also helps you in saving from making any errors or mistakes in the renewal process. So, before gathering all the documents it is advisable to print the checklist and tick it. Apart from this, it assists you in arranging all the orders in an order.

Application Form Signed and Filled by the Applicant

After preparing the Indian passport renewal in the USA checklist the next vital document is filling out the application form. It is available online at the Indian government website. Fill out the form online and take a printout of it. It will remain as proof by your side.

Copy of the Nationality Verification Form

It is vital to attach your photograph to the National Verification Form. Generally, at the time of Indian passport application, only one form is needed. However, in case of damaged or stolen an exception applies to the application with visa status. Also, at that time around eight copies of the form are required.

Passport

While submitting the passport for renewal you need to take care of the following things:

• Provide the original passport.
• With the current passport attach the first 5 pages and the last 2 pages photocopies.
• In case the passport is older than 5 years, provide the last passport too.

Color Photographs

Preferably with a decent white background two photos are needed with 2 by 2 size (51 mm x 51 mm). In addition, they should be identical. Also, there are other rules as well for the photos:

• The photographs should not be more than 6 months
• Must be visible
• Without specs and flashlight reflection
• With colored clothes to differentiate with a white background.

Return Envelope

If you want your renewed passport returned by mail, you have to mention a self-addressed USPS express return envelope. Apart from this do not forget to mention the correct VPS Global Application Center in the form. Also, mention the shipping label sent to you in an email. It consists of the barcode and tracking number. Paste this information on the envelope you send to VFS. In addition, include the tracking or waybill number on the return envelope.

Indian Passport Application Fee

Inclusive of all taxes the Indian passport application fee is non-refundable. If you are applying at the VFS center in person you need to pay online. However, if you are applying through mail, you must pay through cashier's, banker's check, or money orders made at VFS service in USA Inc. No personal checks or cash are applicable via mail. The table below consists of the fee structure for several passport services. Also, in most cases, the fees required for a minor's or tatkal passport differ from the normal fee.

Notarized Documents

Whether applying via mail or in person, the photocopies of supporting papers have to be notarized. Following are the copies of the documents you need for the Indian passport application:

Legal Status Proof in the US 

Applicants have to provide the papers that prove their legal status in the United States. Tourists or visitors who are in the country for a short time cannot use these services. They need to apply for passport renewal or re-issue in India. In addition, applicants can attach a color photocopy of a valid US visa. It includes an L1/L2/HIB visa, employment authorization card, and green card of I-797 approval papers. Further, the student visa holders need to provide the I-20 paper. 

Residence Proof in the USA

In the passport application, you need to provide proof of your US address. For this, you can submit the following copies as evidence:

• Address proof for passport application includes State ID, Driver's license, home mortgage bill, rental lease agreement, or utility bills.
• Applicants who are above the age of 60 and do not have the above papers, can provide a copy of their state ID.
• Minors have to provide proof of any legal guardians.
• Students who live on campus or in dorms should provide a letter from their institute. In addition, it should include their campus address.
• In case your passport does not contain the name of your spouse you can provide a marriage certificate. Also as proof, you can use a copy of the state's ID or spouse's passport. 

Apart from the mentioned Indian passport documents, in certain services, some affidavits also need to be provided. They are as follows:

• Affidavit for change of sign & Appearance
• If applicable, Affidavit of name change
• Annexure D- for minors

Letters of Authority 

Depending on the passport service type you need several pieces of paper: These are as follows:

• If he/she opts for a representative to apply for the passport a letter of authority comes to the role. In addition, the same letter is needed for the passports of minors in case one of the parents cannot present in person. 
• If the passport expires in less than 6 months, you need to provide a self-explanation letter. In this letter, you have stated the reason why you have not renewed your passport.

Following are the documents required for Indian passport Renewal in USA. Moving ahead, let's know the process of passport renewal in the USA. 

Renewing Your India Passport in the USA: Step-by-Step Process

In the USA, the Indian government has set up the renewal process for Indian passports. Through VFS Global you can apply for it. However, you have to keep your passport up to date for this. In addition, you can start the renewal process 1 year before the expiry date of it. Moving ahead, let's know the process of it:

• Fill out the application online from the Passport Seva website
• Note down the Application Reference Number (ARN) from the form
• Take a printout of the application form
• Go back to the website of VFS and through the apply now button create your online profile
• From their print all the mentioned papers and affidavits per the registration process
• Next, mail the complete passport application package.
• Through emails, SMS or website track your application till completion

This is the process by which you can renew your Indian passport. In addition, you can also send your package through a VFS global courier. The payment for the shipping can be done along with the renewal fee.

Conclusion 

Lastly, renewing the passport is no longer a hectic process, thanks to the online renewal process. However, it is vital to know the documents required for Indian passport Renewal in USA before heading to the process. It not only aids in preserving from mistakes. But also helps in simplifying the whole thing. Here the following blog was all about that. Hope after reading you get all the information that you were seeking.